Solutions for Shoreline Erosion PDF EN1

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Solutions for Shoreline Erosion

A Basic Guide to Bioengineering


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Date: March 2011 Version: 1.0

Partners:

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources

Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority

Mississippi Valley Conservation

Quinte Conservation

Raisin Region Conservation Authority

Rideau Valley Conservation Authority

South Nation Conservation

Cette publication est galement disponible en franais.

The materials found in this booklet are intended for information purposes only.

Although it is our goal to provide accurate and relevant information, the successof bioengineering methods cannot be guaranteed. Any and all bioengineeringactivities are done at your own risk and require consent/approval from the properauthorities prior to any undertaking. Doing so without proper approval couldresult in fines and/or serious legal recourse.

Copyright 2011 RVCA


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Table of Contents

Section 1 Introduction to Bioengineering

What is shoreline erosion? 1What is bioengineering? 1

Why consider bioengineering? 2

Section 2 Planning Considerations

Shoreline Dynamics 3

Causes/Types of Erosion 4

High Water Mark (HWM) 5

Site Access 5

Soil Types 5

Slopes 6

Aquatic/Terrestrial Zone The Ribbon of Life 7

Landowner Goals 8

Vegetation/Plant Types 8

Section 3 Bioengineering Approaches

Bioengineering Approaches/Techniques 9

Costs of Bioengineering 11

Section 4 Contacts and Approvals

Your Local Conservation Authority 12

Provincial Legislation 12

Federal Legislation 13

Resources/References 14Eastern Ontario Watersheds/MNR Kemptville District 16


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Although erosion is a natural process, it can bedramatically accelerated by changes in land use, such as

removal of shoreline vegetation. Without the presence of ahealthy vegetated buffer, shorelines have reduced resistanceagainst erosion, potentially resulting in a loss of habitat, soilstability and land.

Bioengineering is the combination of engineeringtechniques using natural materials and structures tostabilize soils. It is often used as a means ofrepairing/remediating shorelines from the effects of erosionwith the intent of minimizing the overall impact to theenvironment. The end goal is a self-repairing shoreline thatstabilizes soils, minimizes erosion and contributes tohealthy habitat. Various bioengineering solutions are

available depending on site specific conditions (slope,wave/water energy and soil composition).

What is Bioengineering?

What is Shoreline Erosion?

Coir fabric installationPlanting material

Soils along the shorelines of lakes, riversand streams are gradually weathered,displaced and deposited by various forcesincluding wind, water, ice, and gravity.

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Why Consider Bioengineering?

Eroded shoreline with exposed roots and soil

Conventional methods, while potentially effective, may offeronly a temporary fix to a dynamic problem.Bioengineering:

is low maintenance and self-repairing

is cost-effective compared to conventional methods thatneed regular maintenance

addresses a variety of contributing causes of erosionpromotes good habitat value for fish and wildlife, whilestill addressing the issue of shoreline erosion

can be less invasive compared to conventional erosioncontrol methods

While the use of bioengineering methods to remediateshoreline erosion is beneficial, it may not always be anappropriate course of action if site-specific conditions limit thepotential for this approach.

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Bioengineering & Your Shoreline:Planning Considerations

TOE ZONE

SPLASH ZONE

BANK ZONE

TERRACE ZONE

Various bank zones

Each propertys shoreline is unique. Site conditions such as waterfrontaccess, erosion type/source, soil type, existing vegetation, prevailingwinds, wave action, fluctuating water levels and growing conditions needto be considered in your bioengineering project planning.

1. Shoreline DynamicsShorelines are made up of four zones that are subject to a number ofnatural and human-made erosive forces.

A shoreline is a dynamic system, with complexties to both the terrestrial and aquaticenvironment.

Table 1. Bioengineering by shoreline zonesZone Type Description Erosion Source Example

Toe ZoneThe bank portion between thelake/stream and the average

water heightBoat wakes

Splash ZoneThe bank portion which falls

between the average range inhigh and low water levels

Ice movement/scour

Bank ZoneThe section above the normal

high water level

Mowing to watersedge/removal of vegetated

buffer

Terrace ZoneInland portion from the bank

zoneLack of upland vegetation

Allen, H & Leech, J.R. Bioengineering for Stream Bank Erosion Control U.S. Army Corps of Eng.

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2.Causes and Types of Erosion:

Table 2.Common sources and causes of shoreline erosionErosion Type Description

Sheet

The impact of rain or runoff from upland areasmoves and displaces soil

Wave Action

The wearing away of bank materials due to theimpact of wave action along the shoreline

May be natural or human-influenced (i.e., boatwakes)

Undercutting

The displacement of shoreline material within thetoe/splash zones in which the bank is cut out fromunderneath, leaving an open gap.

Can be scoured out by ice movement

Slope Failure

Once bank stability has been compromisedthrough loading and/or undercutting, the bank maycollapse/slump, washing sediment and debris intothe waterway

Rill/Gully

Periodic drainage paths which extend from inlandto the shoreline, cutting into banks and washingsediment into the waterway

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3. High Water Mark (HWM):

The usual or average level to which a body of water rises at itshighest point and remains for sufficient time so as to change thecharacteristics of the land.

Shoreline alterations below the HWM have the potential to damage

aquatic habitat.Identifying the HWM allows for a reasonable determination of wherespecial precaution must be taken when modifying the shoreline(e.g., sediment control measures and extent of work needed).

4. Accessing the Site for your Project:

Steep slopes and/or weak soil stability may not allow forthe use of heavy machinery, regardless of the initialdesign plan.

Precautions must be taken to prepare the site againstpossible environmental damage, and ultimately minimizethe impacts to adjacent lands and the waterway(i.e., siltation).

Site preparation will often require the selective removal ofvegetation, but should be done in a manner which permitsfor rapid restoration.

When removing vegetation, it is best to leave the rootsystems intact, removing only the portions which mayimpede the work environment.

By preventing disturbances to larger vegetation(i.e., trees, large shrubs) and utilizing a single point

access route, damage to the site can be minimized.

5. Soil Types:

Soil characteristics (i.e., drainage) determine the types of trees andshrubs that are suitable for your shoreline.

Silts and sands are generally considered easily erodible, while finer

clay soils are more resistant to erosive forces.Soils such as leda clays are well known for their rapid transitionbetween seemingly solid to liquid states, potentially resulting inslope failure.

In general, soils with high organic matter content are less erodible.

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Table 3. Common soil classifications and their related propertiesSoil

Type/ClassDescription Bioengineering Considerations

Granular soil structurethat drains quickly

Sand is easily erodible anddisplaced and its sole use inprojects should be avoided

Moderate sized soilparticle

Is highly erodible and well knownfor its impact on waterways

(siltation)

Smallest soil particles

Erosion rate varies based on thesoil structure. Some clays have

high resistance against erosion andothers have low resistance

(i.e., leda clay)

Mixture of silt, clay,sand and organics

Most ideal soil composition for usein bioengineering as it offers asuitable growth medium and

relatively strong soil cohesion

SAND

SILT

CLAY

LOAM

6. Slope:

The stability of a slope is related to its steepness and soil type, which

will ultimately determine the bioengineering options/methods used onyour site.

If the bank profile has been highly eroded, grading must take place toensure that vegetation remains rooted.Sand will remain stable up to an angle of approximately 30, whereasclay and silt can resist movement at much steeper angles.Based on the compositions of the soils present, the overall slopecharacteristics will need to be adjusted to complement thesoil properties.

In order to depict bank steepness, the banks can be classified into twosteepness profiles:

High bank (1:1 slope ratio / ~ 45 )

Low bank (3:1 slope ratio / ~ 18 )

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Low Bank Example

High Bank Example

7. Aquatic/Terrestrial Transition Ribbon of Life:

The goal of shoreline erosion protection is to ensure that an appropriateundisturbed buffer is maintained or incorporated into your design.

The naturalized portion of the shoreline, which closely bordersthe waterway, is referred to as the buffer zone.

This zone represents the transition between aquatic andterrestrial habitat.

The buffer provides habitat to local plant and animalcommunities, protects sensitive organisms from sunlight andheat and protects water quality by filtering out contaminants.

This portion of the shoreline provides habitat for fish and wildlifefor feeding, reproducing and resting.

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1 : 1 (h:v) slope

3 : 1 (h:v) slope


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Shoreline vegetation provides natural resistance against erosion,reinforcing soils stability through complex root structures.

Larger buffer zones have a greater ability to protect the shorelinefrom degradation.With periodic maintenance and monitoring, bioengineeringtechniques have been shown to successfully promote thereintroduction/maintenance of these self-sustaining environments.

8. Landowner Goals

Aesthetics- Waterfronts are sometimes altered for aesthetic purposes, despite

the resulting negative implications to the natural environment.

Access/Use

- Removal of natural vegetation degrades the shoreline and waterwaymaking it more susceptible to erosion.Reducing Erosion

- Loss of the upland buffer typically leads to the loss of soils andsediment in the water and can negatively impact fish and wildlife.

Maintaining a Healthy Shoreline- The use of fertilizers has the potential to reach the waterway and

harm aquatic species and habitat

Habitat friendly approaches:

Allow for a healthy vegetated buffer between upland mowed lawnand waterbody.

Allow for a moderate access area (15 meters or 25 percent of thewaterfront, whichever is less)

Utilize floating/seasonal docks or walkways that use a single point

of water access to minimize shoreline disturbance.

9. Vegetation/Plant Selection

Choose native plant varieties which promote biodiversity and aresuitable to the shoreline environment.

Herbaceous plants (grasses and wildflowers) increase the overallfertility of the soil.

Woody shrubs (dogwoods/willows) possess complex root

structures that work to stabilize soils.In general, projects with the greatest diversity of plants tend to bethe most successful (i.e. using both herbaceous andwoody shrubs).

Plants are typically cut fresh and installed during their dormancy.When dormant, plants are more resistant to the stressesassociated with transplanting.

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Slope Type: low bank profileErosion Type: undercutPro: bundles are flexible and capable ofmolding to the shorelineCon: not suitable for high flow or shearstress areas

Slope Type: low or high bank profilesErosion Type: undercut, sheet, rill/gullyPro: relatively low cost with littleenvironmental disturbanceCon: can not be used in all situations(i.e., soil type, extreme shade)

Slope Type: low bank profileErosion Type: undercut, sheet, rill/gully, toePro: protection for both the toe and upper

bank zonesCon: typically requires heavy machinery forre-grading purposes with moderatedisturbance to the environment

Slope Type: low or high bank profilesErosion Type: undercut, slope failurePro: versatile technique, little environmentaldisturbance, low cost, good early stage solutionCon: does not provide immediate protection(ie., Requires about two years to establish)

Coconut/synthetic fibers bound together intoa cylindrical structure and placed along theshoreline to absorb wave energy and allowvegetation to establish.

Planting of riparian vegetation along the

shoreline to promote soil structure.

Planting of riparian vegetation along shorelinewith stone/rock placed on lower banks forstabilization.

Live cuttings are staked into the bank tostabilize the shoreline, allowing for the re-

establishment of riparian vegetation.

Method: Coir Logs

Method: Planting

Method: Planting/Riprap Combination

Method: Live Staking

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Slope Type: low or high bank profilesErosion Type: undercut, slope failure

Pro: capable of stabilizing steep slopesCon: complex and relatively expensivetechnique compared to otherbioengineering approaches

Live cuttings divided between layers ofstaked soil wraps, graded to create a stablebank and re-establish vegetation growth.

Bundles of live cuttings staked and secured

into the bank to create a stable platform forvegetation growth and stable soils.

Slope Type: low or high bank profilesErosion Type: undercut, sheet, rill/gullyPro: offers both sediment and erosion controlwith minimal disturbance to the environmentCon: may be restrictions on in-water work

Costs of Bioengineering

Method: Soil Wraps

Method: Fascine / Brush Mattress

In general, shoreline work carried out using naturalized approaches andconcepts can have an overall economic benefit over more traditionalerosion control methods (ie., rip-rap, armour stone).

Some of the costs associated with bioengineering include:

Specific site attributes (i.e., slope, access)Scope of project

Availability/source of materials

Equipment needs/available access

Labour costs

While there is an initial cost for establishing this naturalized approach,the costs of bioengineering can be minimized by:

Using native plants/vegetationRecruiting volunteers for labourCarrying out work at times when other construction activities arenot as prevalent

Applying for financial assistance through stewardship programs

Long term sustainability and therefore reduced maintenance costs

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Conservation Authority Provincial Legislation

If you are planning to do any work near a lake, river, streamor wetland, you may require approval from a Conservation Authority(CA). Through the direction of your local conservation authority, the

project may undergo review and refinement, with specificconsideration made for minimizing damage to the naturalenvironment, promoting habitat and protecting the public fromflooding. Pre-consultation can identify potential conflicts related tothe project design at a site specific level. Consult CA staff early inthe design process, as they may offer valuable advice, while helpingto expedite the approval process. CA staff will help to implement adesign and work strategy which eliminates major physical

disturbance, maintains a healthy vegetated buffer, sustains streamflow and minimizes sedimentation to the waterway. CAs haveagreements with Fisheries and Oceans Canada whereby theyreview the impacts to fish and fish habitat on their behalf.

Contacts & Approvals

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources

Provincial Legislation

In Ontario, the beds of most lakes and rivers are publiclands. A work permit is a document issued by the Ministry of NaturalResources under authority of Section 14 of the Public Lands Act, toauthorize specific activities and works on public lands and shorelands. A Work Permit is required to provide for effectivestewardship of public lands and to ensure that specific activities

undertaken on shore lands have regard for the environment, otherusers and neighbouring landowners. Requirements andconsiderations under the provincial Endangered Species Act (2007)must also be addressed. If in doubt as to whether a permit isrequired or not, applicants are encouraged to contact their localMinistry of Natural Resources office well in advance and make anappointment to speak with a Ministry staff person.

Before starting your project, ensure that you contact the followingagencies to gain the necessary permits and approvals. It is theresponsibility of the proponent to secure any other permits/permissions from other Federal, Provincial, and Municipal agencies.

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Any development along a shoreline has the potential todamage the environment, and may be harmful to fish and fishhabitat. The federal Fisheries Actprotects the welfare of fish andhabitat against harmful alterations, disruption and destruction(HADD). The Act also states that no one is permitted to deposit

a deleterious (harmful) substance into water containing fish.Violations to the Fisheries Actmay result in substantial fines,and/or the risk of imprisonment. If found guilty, the violator mayalso be required to cover the costs of restoring the habitat at thesite and/or be required to fulfill other court ordered remedies.

Bioengineering projects must first meet the criteria of anOperational Statement, incorporating conditions intended to

protect the habitat. If the project design meets these criteria, aformal review from Fisheries and Oceans will not be required.Projects and designs which do not fall into the contexts of theseconditions may require review under alternate legislation.

Parks Canada Agency, Rideau Canal Office administers theFederal Crowns jurisdiction over the beds of the rivers and lakeswhich comprise the Rideau Canal system and is responsible for

granting approval to dredge, fill, or perform other works in the watersor bed of the Canal. All in-water and shoreline works or structures on,in, over, under, or adjoining bodies of water under the jurisdiction ofParks Canada must receive written authorization prior to thecommencement of any work. Applicants may also be required toobtain written permission of the adjoining landowner should yourproposal have the potential to interfere with that ownersriparian rights.

Parks CanadaRideau Canal Office34A Beckwith St. S Smith Falls, ON

K7A 2A8 Tel: 613-860-1251http://www.pc.gc.ca

Parks Canada Federal Legislation

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Federal Legislation

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http://www.pc.gc.ca/http://www.pc.gc.ca/http://www.pc.gc.ca/


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References & Resources

Publications:

Allen, H.H. Leech, J.R. (1997) Bioengineering for Streambank

Erosion Control. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Bioengineering Techniques for Erosion Prevention. CapitalRegion District British Columbiahttp://www.crd.bc.ca/watersheds/protection/howtohelp/bioengineering.htm

Bioengineering Techniques. Drainage Management Guide(2004). Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries. BC

Extension Notes:- Buffers Protect the Environment (2000)- Protecting Fish Habitat From Sediment (2000)

Fish Habitat and Determining the High Water Mark on Lakes(T-6) Fisheries and Oceans Canada Factsheet

Fish Habitat and Shoreline Stabilization(C-4) Fisheries andOceans Canada Factsheet

Native Plant Resource Guide. 2000. Society for EcologicalRestoration, Ontario Chapter, Second Edition.

The Shore PrimerA Cottagers Guide to a HealthyWaterfront. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (2008)

Community Fisheries and Wildlife Involvement ProgramMinistry of Natural Resources (MNR) funding for projects that benefit

biodiversity, involve the public and benefit the community.

http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca

Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program (ODWSP)Potential funds available for projects that protect surface and ground

water on lands located near municipal wells and surface water

intakes. Approved projects may include runoff and erosion control

protection. Contact your local Conservation Authority.

Potential Financial Assistance Programs

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http://www.crd.bc.ca/watersheds/protection/howtohelp/bioengineering.htmhttp://www.crd.bc.ca/watersheds/protection/howtohelp/bioengineering.htmhttp://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/http://www.crd.bc.ca/watersheds/protection/howtohelp/bioengineering.htm


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Ferguson Forest CentreQuality tree seedlings for today and tomorrow

275 County Road 44, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0(613) [email protected],www.seedlingnursery.com

Trees Ontario

www.treesontario.on.ca

Ontario Stewardship Councils

Native Plant Sources

Ontario Stewardship

Ontario Stewardship's purpose is to link landowners with funding,information and expertise to ensure that good management practicesflourish. (Shoreline protection, trees/shrubs planting, wildlife habitat

protection projects, project funding support)www.ontariostewardship.org

Rural Clean Water ProgramsIncentive grants to assist farmers and rural property owners with

projects that protect surface and ground water. Projects may include

erosion control and shoreline planting.

Shoreline Naturalization Programs

Provide information about the value and benefits of naturallyvegetated, healthy shorelines. The program also offers simple,cost-effective advice and hands on guidance to waterfront propertyowners interested in enhancing or naturalizing their shorelines. Theprogram provides technical and financial assistance for approvedshoreline naturalization projects.

Version/Date: March 2011

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http://www.seedlingnursery.com/http://www.seedlingnursery.com/http://www.seedlingnursery.com/http://www.treesontario.on.ca/http://www.treesontario.on.ca/http://www.ontariostewardship.org/http://www.ontariostewardship.org/http://www.ontariostewardship.org/http://www.treesontario.on.ca/http://www.seedlingnursery.com/


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QUINTE CONSERVATION

2061 Old Highway 2, R.R. #2 Belleville, ON K8N 4Z2Tel: 613-968-3434 Fax: 613-968-8240Email:[email protected]:http://quinteconservation.ca

ONTARIO MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES

10 Campus Dr. Postal Bag 2002 Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0Tel: 1-800-667-1940 Fax: 613-258-3920Email:[email protected]:www.mnr.gov.on.ca

CATARAQUI REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

PO Box 160, Glenburnie, ON K0H 1S0 Tel: 1-877-956-CRCAFax: 613-544-6474 Email:[email protected]: www.cataraquiregion.on.ca

MISSISSIPPI VALLEY CONSERVATION

4175 Hwy 511, RR#2 Lanark, ON K0G 1K0Tel: 613-259-2421 Fax: 613-259-3468Email:[email protected]:www.mvc.on.ca

RAISIN REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

18045 County Rd. 2, Cornwall, ON

Tel: 613-938-3611 Fax: 613-938-3221Email:[email protected] Web:www.rrca.on.ca

RIDEAU VALLEY CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

SOUTH NATION CONSERVATION

38 Victoria St. PO Box 29, Finch ON K0C 1K0Tel: 1-877-984-2948 Fax: 613-984-2872Email:[email protected]:www.nation.on.ca

3889 Rideau Valley Dr, PO BOX 599 Manotick, ON K4M 1A5

Tel: 1-800-267-3504 Fax: 613-692-0831Email:[email protected]:www.rvca.ca
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://quinteconservation.ca/http://quinteconservation.ca/http://quinteconservation.ca/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.cataraquiregion.on.ca/http://www.cataraquiregion.on.ca/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.mvc.on.ca/http://www.mvc.on.ca/http://www.mvc.on.ca/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.rrca.on.ca/http://www.rrca.on.ca/http://www.rrca.on.ca/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.nation.on.ca/http://www.nation.on.ca/http://www.nation.on.ca/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.rvca.ca/http://www.rvca.ca/http://www.rvca.ca/http://www.rvca.ca/mailto:[email protected]://www.nation.on.ca/mailto:[email protected]://www.rrca.on.ca/mailto:[email protected]://www.mvc.on.ca/mailto:[email protected]://www.cataraquiregion.on.ca/mailto:[email protected]://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/mailto:[email protected]://quinteconservation.ca/mailto:[email protected]

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Solutions for Shoreline Erosion PDF EN1